Voice Phishing Causes 15.2 Billion Won in Damages... Police and Banks Prevent 2.4 Billion Won in Losses Through Cooperation

255 Voice Phishing Cases in Gwangju in the First Half of the Year...
Large Checks and Malicious Apps Used
Victims Mainly in Their 60s and Older
Blocked Through Coordinated Response

In April, a citizen in Gwangju received a text message about credit card issuance and clicked on the link. A malicious app was immediately installed, and after phone calls with individuals impersonating a 'post office employee,' a 'Financial Supervisory Service official,' and a 'prosecutor,' the victim attempted to transfer 217 million won to a so-called 'safe account.' However, thanks to the police's efforts to neutralize the malicious app, the transfer was stopped just in time.

According to the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency on July 9, the number of voice phishing crimes in Gwangju during the first half of this year reached 255 cases, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. The total amount of damages surged by 87% to 15.2 billion won, while the number of suspects apprehended rose by 44% to 341 individuals. Among these, scams involving impersonation of institutions such as credit card companies, the prosecution, and the Financial Supervisory Service accounted for 118 cases (12.4 billion won), making up the majority of the financial losses.

Among the 41 victims who suffered large losses, 28 were aged 60 or older (22 of whom were women), accounting for 68% of the total. The main factor cited is that the elderly, who generally possess more assets, are particularly vulnerable to digital tactics such as malicious apps.

In another case of successful prevention, a bank employee became suspicious of a large withdrawal and reported it to 112. Responding police officers checked the victim's call history and whether malicious apps had been installed, preventing the transfer of 50 million won just in time.

The police also stated that by distributing notices to apartment complexes, making announcements through management offices, holding meetings with financial institutions, and conducting intensive publicity campaigns targeting high-risk groups, they were able to prevent 25 cases and 2.4 billion won in potential losses.

A police official urged the public to exercise caution, noting that new methods are emerging in which scammers impersonate investigative agencies, induce victims to reactivate their mobile phones, and control their actions by having them stay in motels.